The Indianapolis journal. [volume] (Indianapolis [Ind.]) 1867-1904, 1887-02-17
ANOTHER VETO.

The Presidents Reasons for Not Signing the
Texas Seed Distribution Bill.
WASHINGTON. Feb 16.-The following is the
message of the President vetoing the bill for the
distribution of seeds in Texas:
ITO the House of Representatives.:
II return, without my approval House No.
1929 entitled AN Act to Enable the Commits
tribution of Seeds in the Drought-stricken Coun-
ties Of Texas, and Making an Appropriation
Therefor It is represented that long-contin-
ued and extensive drought has existed in certain
failure of crops and consequent distress and des-
titution. Though there has been some differ
ence in stateme nts concerning the extent Of the
peoples needs in the localities thus affected
there seems to be no doubt that there has existed
condition calling for relief; and am willing to
believe that, Notwithstanding the aid already
furnished. donation OF seed grain to the farm
ers located in this region, to enable them to put
in new crops would serve to avert cohtinuance
or return of An unfortunate blight And yet l
feel obliged to withhold my approval of the plan,
as proposed by this bill, to indulge a benevolent
and charitable sentiment through the appropria-
ton of public funds for that purpose. l can find
no warrant for such an appropriation in the
Constitution, and do not believe that the power
and duty of the general government ought to be
extended to the relief of individual suffering
public service or benefit. A prevalent tendency
to disregard the limited mission OF this power
and duty should think be steadfastly resisted
to the end that the lesson should be constantly
enforced that. though the people support the
government. the government should not support
the people. The frendlness and charity of our
countrymen can always be relied upon to relieve
their fellow citizens in misfortune This has
been repeatedly and quite lately demonstrated.
Federal aid in such cases encourages the ex-
pectaton of paternal care on the part OF the
government and weakens the sturdiness of our
national character, while it prevents the indul-
gence among our people of that kindly senti-
ment and conduct which strengthen the bonds
of a common brotherhood.
1T is within my personal knowledge that IN
dividual aid has, to some extent, already been
extended to the sufferers mentioned in this bill
The failure of the proposed appropriation of
900 additional tomeet their remaining wants
will not necessarily result in continued distress.
1t the emergency is fully made known to the
people of the country.
ut is here suggested that the Commissioners of
Agriculture be annually directed to expend q
large sum of money for the purpose of the prop.
agation and distribution of seeds and other
things of this description, twothirds of which
are. upon the request of Senators and Repre-
sentatives and delegates in Congress- supplied to
them for distribution among their constituents
The appropriation of the current year for this
purpose is $100. COO. and it will probably be no
understand that large quantity of grain is
furnished for such distribution, and it is SUP
posed that this free appointment among their
nelghbors is privilege which may be waived BY
our Senators and Representatives. If sufficient
of them should request the Commissioner of
Agriculture to send their shares Of the grain
thus allowed them to the suffering farmers of
Texas. they might be enabled to sow their crops.
and the constituents for whom, in theory, this
grain is intended. could we'll bear the temporary
deprivation, and the donors would experience
the satisfaction attending deeds of charity.
"GROyER CLEyELANDn